first dibs on
idiom
US, informal
: choice of (something) before anyone else gets to pick
The farm always gives first dibs on its vegetables to local families.
Examples of first dibs on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Those who join this year get first dibs on renewal, while everyone else is relegated to a waitlist.
—
David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025
Prime members get first dibs on some impressive clothing and shoe deals — no special promo codes needed.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
While off to its strongest NFL season in 10 years, Fox likely wouldn’t mind taking a crack at a future Chiefs-Bills showdown … although CBS effectively has first dibs on the matchup.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2025
As an alternative to repayment, Sheffield in 2022 led the creation of a package of city programmatic and discount offerings for those who were overtaxed, like half-off Detroit Land Bank Authority homes and first dibs on affordable housing.
—Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first dibs on
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David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025
Prime members get first dibs on some impressive clothing and shoe deals — no special promo codes needed.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
While off to its strongest NFL season in 10 years, Fox likely wouldn’t mind taking a crack at a future Chiefs-Bills showdown … although CBS effectively has first dibs on the matchup.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2025
As an alternative to repayment, Sheffield in 2022 led the creation of a package of city programmatic and discount offerings for those who were overtaxed, like half-off Detroit Land Bank Authority homes and first dibs on affordable housing.
—Violet Ikonomova, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for first dibs on
Cite this Entry
“First dibs on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20dibs%20on. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
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